Allen keeps his hopes alive

Published: Friday, June 21, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, June 21, 2013 at 12:21 a.m.

TUSCALOOSA | Jody Allen knew he was playing for his last chance to make the semifinals of the Neptune Cup in Thursday’s B Division match against Craig Buettner at the NorthRiver Yacht Club.

Allen defeated Buettner, 6-2, 6-1.

“Jody played better. He’s a more seasoned player,” Buettner said of Allen, who has been playing tennis for 45 to 50 years. “He’s more crafty and steady.”

Buettner has played for only five years and said his family started to play tennis once his wife started to play. His sons are also competing in the Neptune Cup. Buettner and his sons have competed in all three years of the Neptune Cup.

Both from Tuscaloosa, the two have been teammates before, playing doubles. There were no hard feelings between the two after the match, despite the stakes. Buettner said playing with Allen previously didn’t play a factor in the match.